Sayu Bhojwani + Naomi Wolf | People Like Us

Sayu Bhojwani and Naomi Wolf discuss diversifying America’s political establishment and Bhojwani’s new book, “People Like Us: The New Wave of Candidates Knocking at Democracy’s Door.” This event is presented in partnership with the Literacy Partners’ Subway Reads Campaign and the New York Immigration Coalition.

Political scientist Sayu Bhojwani is challenging the established status quo of the white, male, Christian and rich political system. In her latest book “People Like Us,” Sayu offers case studies of politicians and activists who don’t fit the established American political bill, be they, people of color or immigrants, fighting the system to create a better world for all. Sayu simultaneously shines a strong spotlight on the roadblocks that quell many people’s chances of affecting robust change in governmental representation.

One of the world’s most influential feminists and the bestselling author of “The Beauty Myth,” Naomi Wolf doesn’t just comment on the world’s most pervasive problems, she aims to solve them. Wolf has written eight bestselling works of nonfiction, including “Give Me Liberty,” which includes effective tools for citizens to promote civic engagement and create sustainable democracy. Wolf is the co-founder of The Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership and The American Freedom Campaign. The co-Founder and CEO of tech startup DailyClout.io, a digital platform that lets anyone lobby by sharing live bills, pass legislation, and run for office.

Sayu Bhojwani is the Founder and President of New American Leaders, which works across the country to build the power and potential of first- and second-generation Americans. She served as New York City’s first Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs and is the founder of South Asian Youth Action, a community-based organization in Queens. Sayu earned a PhD in Politics and Education from Columbia University, where her research focused on immigrant political participation. Her TED talk focuses on the importance of immigrants to American democracy, and her work to build a more inclusive democracy has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and in The New York Times. Her book, “People Like Us: Knocking at Democracy’s Door,” will be published by The New Press in October 2018. An immigrant of Indian descent, she grew up in Belize and now lives in New York City with her husband and child.

Through #SubwayReads, commuters across New York City can free promotional excerpts from 200+ exclusive books across over a dozen categories, including: Women’s Leadership, Black Lives Matter, Immigrant Stories, Career Development, Food, Travel, and more. Young readers and adults alike can read on and off the subway using www.subwayreads.org